Sale woman handed suspended sentence after falsely claiming more than £20,000 in benefits

A SALE woman was handed a suspended prison sentence for dishonestly claiming more than £20,000 in benefits.

Keighley Martin, 27, of Mulberry Walk, was convicted at Trafford Magistrates Court on February 14.

She had falsely claimed £11,504.47 in Housing and Council Tax Benefit from Trafford Council and £11,741.42 in income support from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Ms Martin was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment suspended for two years, made subject of a curfew order for three months and ordered to pay £700 towards prosecution costs.

Ms Martin had failed to report a change in her circumstances and was continuing to claim on the basis that she was living alone with two children but was actually living with her partner and was therefore overpaid benefits between February 16 2009 and October 21 2012.

The council and Department for Work and Pensions are also recovering all of the monies that were obtained through this offence from Ms Martin.

Leader elect, Cllr Sean Anstee, said: “This is another example of those seeking benefits not informing us of changes to their circumstances. Benefit fraud is a serious crime and we will come down heavily on those found to be claiming benefits that they are not entitled to.”

If you suspect anyone of benefit fraud contact Trafford Council on 0161 912 2852 or via Freefone number 0800 328 6340.